The Mean Reds...

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

Paul Varjak: Sure.

Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!

I had that kind of a day for many reasons... and at least I know I'm not alone when I feel that way.

Thanks, Truman, for capturing it so well!

Point and Shoot...

After only owning a Diana and Polaroid for years, it's time for me to finally buy a new digital camera. I'm excited for what it will mean for The Prippy Handbook, and I'm thrilled to share more pics of my own with you.

But I know VERY little about cameras and would love any advice!

Please... HELP!

Gotta Getaway... Charlottesville

You guys ever feel the need to just pack a bag and hit the road? I can only imagine we've all had that urge!

Well, last week I was itching to have a little road trip... so my friend, Liz, from Octavia & Brown (who also happens to be one of my BFF's since I was 5 years old!) came down from NYC and I booked a trip Friday morning for us to head to Charlottesville, Virginia.


After work, we hopped in my car and took off for the hills. Since we're both novice golfers looking to up our game, I turned the trip into a bit of a golf weekend, booking a "Stay and Play" package at the gorgeous and charming Boar's Head Inn.


The Boar's Head is the perfect place for a weekend away. Pools, great wine, delicious food, a spa... and AMAZING golf! Plus, the town of Charlottesville (home to the University of Virginia) is full of character.


We loved grabbing pitchers at Miller's, where Dave Matthew's used to play, while listening to a great Blue Grass band.

After spending a perfect weekend relaxing, we did some major antiquing on our way home. Got to say, we found incredible stuff (stay tuned for pics!).

My New Accessory... Men's Watch Bands

Men's ribbon watch bands are my new bracelets... I picked up a couple of the ribbon bands (like the one above) at J. Press, and I've been stacking them up.

Love the look!

Fabulous Indeed... Beekman Boys

I fell into some sort of Planet Green TV vortex this weekend, and became completely lost in the wonderful show "The Fabulous Beekman Boys."


With so many crappy reality shows out there to choose from (I've got "The Bachelorette" on as I type), this show stood out as something really real and honest.

I love these guys, was inspired by their pursuit of Beekman 1802, and cannot wait to watch more! Oh, and I can't wait to also try their soaps!


Anyone else on the Beekman Boys bandwagon?

In My Library... The Selby is in your place

Have you guys heard about this book? The Selby is in your place is like a modern day Proust questionnaire meets MTV "Cribs."



My favorite home (although it is SOOO hard to pick just one!) was a couple whose style I admired back in Domino, in fact, I saved the article in a design file I keep. Derrick Miller and Jennifer Vaughn Miller are just my kind of people.


Totally awesome... totally recommended.

Have a Stylish Weekend...

I hope you all have a fashionable weekend! I'm loving this 1940's Vogue shoot...

I'm off to a BBQ this evening, and I'm so excited to give my hostess gift (the Jonathan Adler Spiked/Virgin cups!) to my fantastic friends.

Whatever it is that you're up to this weekend, I hope you put your stamp on it!

Style and Substance... Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall is super talented, gorgeous in a natural beauty kind of way, and completely charming on screen.


Rebecca first came onto my radar a few year back, when she had a heart-breaking role in one of my favorite films, "The Prestige."

I was delighted to see her again in "Frost/Nixon," holding her own (and stealing some scenes) with such a small ensemble cast. Then came along "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" and I officially became a big fan of this talented actress.


Looking forward to seeing her in Ben Affleck's "The Town" co-starring Mad Men's John Hamm.

Prippys Heart Double Rainbows...

If you haven't seen this viral video yet, you're in for a real special treat!

As you know, us Prippys are pretty darn good identifying folks on the "kind herb," but this guy claims he is just high on "rainbow power." You tell me... rainbow power or Phish show treat?

As Promised... My Four-Eyed Self-Portrait

Here I am... with my new specs... in my office this afternoon... working hard and seeing well!

Blackberry's camera isn't really iPhone caliber, but not too shabby for a quick self-portrait.

I'm a Four-Eyes...

After putting off the eye doctor for no good reason the past few years, I finally bit the bullet (because I couldn't see!) and went for a visit.

Turns out, I really needed a new pair of glasses... badly!

So off I went to find the perfect pair, and I was very happy to find them at See Eyewear. I totally recommend See, and they have shops in major cities across the country.

I opted for tortoise shell Italian frames that are very similar to the classics worn by Grace Kelly.



I love them (and promise a photo!), and have to admit that I watched The Girls With Glasses theme song with a smile on my face because I'm part of the club!

Happy Menocal... Bella's Portrait

Happy Menocal, artist extraordinaire, did this amazing pet portrait of my boyfriend's dog, Bella, as my anniversary gift to him.

He was thrilled with it! And Happy was so wonderful to work with in getting this gorgeous piece just right!


I also love her Matador series... so vibrant.! Definitely check out her lovely website.

World Cup Anthem

Have you guys been watching the World Cup?

With Spain and the Netherlands in the final game this weekend, I'm kind of going to miss the soccer fever...

And I'll definitely miss the catchiest sports song ever, "Wavin' Flag" by K'naan.

Birds of a Feather...

Peacock earrings for summer just seem like a must-do!


In fact, I'd take just about anything from Kenneth Jay Lane for these steamy evenings.

Oh... and like any Prippy, I love a good deal, so gotta mention he has a line for QVC!

Delicious, Delicious... Grape Gazpacho

With this summer heat taking a toll on my appetite (not complaining!), I've been loving simple cold soups for dinner.


My favorite has been a grape gazpacho from the delicious and adorable gourmet pizza shop in my neighborhood, Seventh Hill. If you're in DC, it's worth the trip!

After craving this perfect summer dinner night after night, I decided to try it on my own and love the recipe below from Chowhound. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

~ 2 cups peeled, seeded, and diced cucumbers
~ 2 cups seeded and diced tomatillos
~ 2 cups diced white grapes
~ 1/4 cup ginger juice
~ Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl; season to taste.

2. Place three-fourths of the mixture in a food processor and process until smooth.

3. Put it back in the bowl with remaining fruit and vegetables and stir to combine. Serve chilled.

Damn Hot...

It has been sweltering hot in DC... damn hot... real hot... and I'd love to hear some ideas for cooling off the dogs and the peeps!

Happy 4th... God Bless America

Happy 4th of July!

I hope you all have a fantastic time celebrating. Bryan reads the Declaration of Independence every year to commemorate the day.

We're off to a pig roast on Capitol Hill and then off to watch the fireworks from a rooftop right next the the Capitol. This is the one holiday I truly love celebrating in D.C.!


Oh... and I will be wearing this fabulous dress!